Overview and conditions of access
UK Data Service
October2025
Integrated data:
When we add non survey data to survey data
Typically: administrative, biometric, social media data
This talk mostly deals with integrated data available at the UK Data Service
Depends on:
Major longitudinal studies:
A few large scale cross-sectional surveys such as:
The largest longitudinal study representative of the UK population
Initial sample size: 40K households, 100K individuals
14 waves so far: 2009-23; includes BHPS data 1991-02
Ethnic minority boost samples; Innovation Panel
Very wide range of topics covered:
Next Steps (formerly Longitudinal Study of Young People in England - LSYPE):
ELSA (English Longitudinal Study of Ageing):
Administrative records
Non survey measurement: energy consumption, health, behavioural
Social media/digital trace
Polygenic scores (PGI) about health and social outcomes
Probability of some outcomes given someone’s genetic traits
OFSTED ‘State of the nation’: anonymised data on latest schools inspections outcomes of 22,000 open schools
Linked with the MCS, currently covers years 2005 to 2019
Data on a wide range of topics i.e.:
(National Employment Saving Trust)
Covers 1,000,000 employers, 11 millions employees
Linked to consenting Understanding Wave 11 respondents (about 12,000)
Data about:
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{fig-alt: “Screenshot of a study deposited via ReShare on the UKDS website”}
## Searching for data
{fig-alt: “Screenshot from the new data search engine on the UK Data Service website”}
UKDS Secure Lab
Access via encrypted web-based interface (<Citrix VPN technology)
No data download, access only from organisational desktop, in the UKDA Safe Room, one of the SafePods across the UK, and abroad via partner organisations
Outputs subject to Statistical Disclosure Control (SDC)
{fig-alt: “Image representing the application process for secure data”}
Project application
Accreditated researcher
Safe researcher training
Secure access user agreement
Secure Lab account setup
The course we recognise as valid for SecureLab access is the Safe Researcher training (SRT) course which covers:
Data security and personal responsibility including legal background, security model, breaches and penalties.
Statistical Disclosure Control – how to make statistical outputs safe and which principles are used.
Using the SecureLab – how to use the interface and how to prepare and request data imports and suitable statistical outputs
Legally binding contract between the user, their organisation and the University of Essex
It is a per person, per organisation agreement.
Outlines the T&Cs of use of Secure Lab and includes:
Polygenic scores:
Hospital episodes:
Thank you for your attention
Any questions: help@ukdataservice.ac.uk